The Foundation of Christian Maturity is the Basics of Christ

Introduction: The duty of pressing onto maturity. Therefore, the necessity of the right foundation. The foundation is Christ Himself. The elementary principles are very specifically elementary principles of Christ.

1. Justification
   a.Repentance from dead works (cf. Rom 7:9). The law says that you’re dead (cf. Rom 3:20, Isa 64:6)! You have no righteousness of your own.
   b. Faith toward God. The gospel is that God provides unto us His own righteousness (cf. Rom 1:16-17).

2. Sanctification
   a. Instruction about washings (masculine, not neuter, means “washings”). Cleansing not only from the penalty of sin, but also its power and ultimately its presence (cf. 1John 1:7-9, Ephesians 5:25-27)
   b. Laying on of hands. Ordination of elders, specifically (e.g. 1Tim 5:17-22). God’s plan for our washing is His Word, especially as employed by our elders (cf. Heb 13:7, 17)
   c. Note well: we are given the privilege (duty) of participation here, but it still depends not upon us but upon the Lord (cf. Phil 2:12-13)

3. Glorification
   a. Resurrection of the dead. The final piece of what Christ has earned for us.
   b. Eternal judgment. Christ’s second “it is finished”—this time about His work in us: that not only has His righteousness been counted for us, but that His work in us has also been finished, wherefore He now welcomes us into the final and full and forever enjoyment of all that He has won for us

Conclusion: How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord!